The big eight-point buck stood statue still. It was a chip shot for any accomplished bowhunter — broadside, only 18 yards and no obstructions. The archer, dressed in full camouflage clothing, slowly pulled his Mathews bow to full-draw and when the sight pin settled on a spot just behind the deer’s shoulder, dumped the string sending the broadhead tipped arrow on its way.
In less than a second a look of disgust coursed its way across the archer’s face and a sick feeling of disappointment sank heavy in his stomach. The arrow missed the mark, hitting the animal low and too far back. “How could I have blown such a perfect shot?” he said remorsefully as he pondered the fate of the deer.
The bright side of this scenario was the fact that the deer was not harmed and — not real.
With each passing year the bow hunting world experiences numerous advancements far beyond the scope of traditional recurves and instinctive shooting styles. The real truth is there probably isn’t a bow out there that isn’t capable of humanely harvesting a deer, if set-up and shot properly.
Drop away rests, laser range finders and high velocity bows capable of spitting out arrows as fast as light — but what about targets? They are the unsung heroes of bow hunting technology.
Shooting at simple paper plates stuck on bales of straw or excelsior are a thing of the past. Let’s face it; flinging arrows at mundane circles gets boring. It’s hard to remain focused, especially if hunting season is still months away. What happens becomes all too familiar — boredom, loss of concentration, sloppy form and poor results.
That is the way it used to be when all we had to shoot at were rectangle bales and paper. Sometime we would really live on the edge and shoot at balloons stuck to these bales. Not anymore.
When 3-D targets came along practicing became fun and productive again, a necessity for the serious bow hunter, especially when the outcome of an entire season may hinge on a few crucial seconds.
3-D is a generic term for life-sized, three dimensional models of deer, elk, bears, turkeys or other wild game. In reality these types of targets have been around for years and are now made by dozens of manufacturers. The good thing about competition is the quality of these targets has risen dramatically and prices remain so affordable that serious archers can not afford to be without one.
The best 3-D targets are constructed of self-healing foam that can stop the fastest carbon arrows and any tip they may sport from basic field-tips to large diameter cut on contact broad heads. Another benefit is that arrow removal is safe and easy. High quality targets can also absorb literally thousands of shots. Some even have removable cores that can be replaced when shot out, adding years to the life to the target.
Personally, I think 3-D targets are one of the greatest advancements to the bow hunting world. What else can offer the utmost in realistic hunting practice? Don’t get me wrong, traditional bullseye targets have their place. They are necessary when placed at known distances to meticulously dial-in your equipment. They can also be beneficial in honing proper shooting form and extending maximum range. But, for realistic hunting scenarios, nothing compares to a life size, 3-D target modeled after the game you hunt.
These targets can be set at awkward angles simulating quartering shots. By placing them in wooded areas, you can practice shooting over or under limbs and brush. Trust me; you will soon learn the limit of your arrow’s trajectory.
Life size targets also quickly demonstrate the need for precise arrow placement. There are no black circles, fluorescent bullseyes or graduated cross-hairs to shoot at. Instead, you have to pick an exact spot, just like when hunting, then concentrate — really hard.
And, when the arrow flies off the mark, as they occasionally do, instead of simply thinking “Well I threw that one,” you will say to yourself “wow, if I was hunting I would have wounded that animal!” Then you’ll get that same sick feeling in your stomach mentioned earlier. Has any paper target ever made you feel like that?
Sporting Clay Classic
The Sagamore Council, Boy Scouts of America will host its 2006 Sporting Clay Classic Benefit Shoot. The event will be held Sept. 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the Howard County Izaak Walton League.
Sporting Clays is a popular shotgun shooting sport where clay targets are thrown simulating real hunting scenarios. This activity is one of the best ways to hone shooting skills or just enjoy friendship and a day on the range.
Funds raised from the Sporting Clay Classic will be used to promote scouting activities in Howard and surrounding counties. Corporate sponsored teams as well as individual shooters are invited. If you would like additional details or want to register for the upcoming event, contact Pat McGavic at (765) 438-1668 or Chuck Bossert (765) 452-8253
NWTF superfund banquet
There is still time to register for the Wildcat Creek Strutters annual superfund banquet. The yearly event will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Local 292 Union Hall located at 1201 W. Alto Rd.
It is these types of grass roots fund raising efforts that pave the way to promote wildlife habitat and turkey hunting as an important traditional heritage.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a catered meal, share friendships of people with similar interests as well as vie for numerous outdoor related items through live and silent auctions and raffles. Seven shotguns and rifles will also be sold to the highest bidders.
If you would like a complete list of auction items or to register for the banquet, contact Roger Eubank (765) 453-4769
Tournament results
The team of Jerry Pickett and Don Swope swept the field at Tuesday’s Delphi-Delco bass fishing tourney held on Mississinewa Reservoir. They won the event with three largemouth bass totaling 4 pounds, 13 ounces. A bass weighing 1 ounce under 2 pounds gave them the weekly event’s “big fish” honor. Second place went to Wayne Nolder and Bob Rose with one fish tipping the scales at 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Phil Reel came out on top at Wednesday’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney with three fish dropping the scales at 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Frank Brown took second place with two fish totaling 3 pounds, 2 ounces. He also won the weekly contest’s “big bass” honor with a 1-pound, 13-ounce fish.
Here are the teams that have qualified for the Bullseye Outdoor Sports Team Tournament Trail end of the season Classic. The grand finale’ will be held next Sunday on Lake Monroe: Phil Reel and Greg Rude; Robby Ahnert and Jerry Pickett; Rod and Davey Varnell; Randy Salewske and Chris Kowalewski; Todd Lowery and Jay McKinzie; Paul Henry and Paul Henry III; Hink Hinkle and John Raines; Lonnie Dewitt and Tom Waldon; Dave and Joel Edwards; John Wenger and Dave Muller; Richard Hardebeck and Dave Werline; Steve Kelly and Josh Smith; Ron Huff and Frank Gosnell; Dick Mugg and Doug Pence; Matt and Ron Jones; Lane Shelton and Shawn Wolf; Ron Hines and Jeff Moss; Craig Reed and Mike Williams; Carlos Padilla and Brandon Kelly; Frank Brown and Eric Camden; and Bruce Doke and Gerald Miller.
Tribune catches of the week
Bryant’s Outdoor Store: Pete and Sheldon Bowser reeled in 20 perfect eating sized channel catfish during a recent outing on our Kokomo Reservoir. Taken on night crawlers, several of the largest fish weighed in at 2 pounds.
Malone’s Nyona Lake Bait and Tackle: Melvin Thompson and Jim Britton cleaned 58 bluegills after a recent trip on Nyona Lake. The fish averaged 8 inches in length with several of the biggest measuring 9 inches. The area anglers encountered their success using crickets and red wigglers.
Pat Kiss hooked a huge redear measuring 113/4 inches, tipping the scale at 1 pound, 6 ounces. The fish was taken from Nyona Lake on live bait.
Springhill Camp Ground and Pay Pit: Rich Jones pulled in nine channel catfish sporting a total weight of 20 pounds, 1 ounce. Jones caught the fish from the popular western Howard County pit using live bait.
John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports department.
